]]>0Saints Work Out Handful Of LB/DEshttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/10/saints-work-out-handful-of-front-seven-players-including-danny-lansanah
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/10/saints-work-out-handful-of-front-seven-players-including-danny-lansanah#respondWed, 12 Oct 2016 00:10:45 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=41049The Saints auditioned a crop of front seven players today, including one — former first-round pick Bjoern Werner — that was already reported earlier today. The full list is below, all courtesy of Mike Triplett and Field Yates of ESPN.com unless otherwise noted:

Lansanah, 31, had spent the last two seasons and change with Tampa Bay before spending a week with the Dolphins in August. Over the last two years, Lansanah appeared in every regular season game for the Bucs, making 22 total starts. In 2014, Lansanah recorded three interceptions, eight pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, and 81 total tackles. His production tailed off last season, though he still notched 47 tackles, one sack, and four pass breakups.

Horton, Lotulelei, Moses, and Mulamba also have prior NFL experience, and Moses leads the pack, as he’s appeared in 45 games with the Packers and Chiefs (mostly on special teams duty). Horton, meanwhile, started 15 games for the Panthers as recently as 2014.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

]]>0NFL Workout Updates: 10/4/16https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/10/nfl-workout-updates-falcons-eagles-raiders-lions-ravens-jaguars
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/10/nfl-workout-updates-falcons-eagles-raiders-lions-ravens-jaguars#respondWed, 05 Oct 2016 01:52:39 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=40342We’re a quarter of the way through the regular season, and clubs are constantly updating their emergency lists of players. Let’s take a look at the latest reported auditions and visits, which we’ve divided by conference due to today’s sheer volume:

AFC

Before he signed with the Browns’ practice squad, offensive lineman Mike Liedtke worked out for the Ravens and was scheduled to audition for the Jaguars, according to his agent Brett Tessler (Twitter link). Baltimore also tried out veteran safety Shamiel Gary today, per Jeff Zriebec of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). Gary has also been linked to the Giants in recent days.

Perhaps bracing for a Lane Johnson suspension, the Eagles today worked out former Washington offensive lineman Josh LeRibeus, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. LeRibeus started 11 games for the Redskins in 2015, but still couldn’t make it past final cutdowns. Philadelphia also looked at guard Matt Rotheram and tackle Pearce Slater, per Balzer (Twitter link).

Lansanah was signed by Miami just days ago, after he beat out Brandon Spikes and Jerry Franklin for the team’s open linebacker spot. Lansanah, soon-to-be 31, has spent the last two seasons and change with Tampa Bay. Over the last two years, Lansanah has appeared in every regular season game for the Bucs, making 22 total starts. In 2014, Lansanah recorded three interceptions, eight pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, and 81 total tackles. His production tailed off last season, though he still notched 47 tackles, one sack, and four pass breakups.

McClendon spent time in Miami in 2015, but didn’t see much action. In the spring, the Dolphins signed McClendon to a one-year deal, but it seems like they are more focused on Jermon Bushrod and Kraig Urbik, who were also signed this offseason. Bushrod is pushing for a starting job at right guard while Urbik is slated for a reserve role.

Lansanah, 31 in a few weeks, has spent the last two seasons and change with Tampa Bay. Over the last two years, Lansanah has appeared in every regular season game for the Bucs, making 22 total starts. In 2014, Lansanah recorded three interceptions, eight pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, and 81 total tackles. His production tailed off last season, though he still notched 47 tackles, one sack, and four pass breakups.

Broncos star linebacker Von Miller wouldn’t mind if his team added his former college teammate, embattled quarterback Johnny Manziel. “If I had to make my decision on it, he would already be with the Broncos. But we’ve got guys in the front office that make those decisions, and they’ve put us in the championship with those decisions,” Miller said (via Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com).

Linebacker Danny Lansanah is set to visit the Bills, tweetsJosh Reed of WIVB. The 30-year-old spent the past three year with the Buccaneers, and he finished last season with 55 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.

Newsome may get another chance in the NFL, but ESPN.com’s Mike Wells doesn’t believe it will be with the Colts. The 25-year-old was released by the team in February following an arrest for marijuana possession.

]]>3Extra Points: Shorts, Roddy, Allen, Titans, Bucshttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/03/extra-points-shorts-roddy-allen-titans-raiders-bucs
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/03/extra-points-shorts-roddy-allen-titans-raiders-bucs#commentsThu, 03 Mar 2016 03:36:01 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=25642Veteran receiver Cecil Shorts is expected to return to the Texans and finish out the second and final year of the two-year contract he signed prior to the 2015 season, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Shorts, 28, appeared in 11 games last year, catching 42 passes for 484 yards and two touchdowns. Houston could save almost $3MM by releasing Shorts, but with fellow pass-catcher Nate Washington heading for free agency, the club will need options out wide.

Let’s dive into a few more items from around the league…

Having already identified the Buccaneers as a possible for suitor for free agent Roddy White, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link) also points to the Titans and Raiders as potential landing spots for the veteran receiver. It’s unclear if Rapoport is reporting or just making connections, but either way, each club makes sense — both Tennessee (Terry Robiskie) and Oakland (Bill Musgrave) field offenses run by former members of Atlanta’s coaching staff.

Pending free agent tight end Dwayne Allen hopes he doesn’t even make it to free agency, as he’d prefer to work out an agreement with the Colts before March 9, he told 1070 The Fan today (link via Kevin Bowen of Colts.com). Allen, along with fellow Indianapolis free agent Coby Fleener, would be one of the most sought-after tight ends on the open market. Allen recently hired agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has a history of getting deals done with the Colts, as his new representation.

The Buccaneers will not tender restricted free agent linebacker Danny Lansanah, reports Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). The 30-year-old Lansanah has bounced around the league, and he’ll now become an unrestricted free agent next week. Per Auman, the Tampa Bay could re-sign Lansanah at a later date (and presumably, at a cheaper price than even the lowest tender).

Romo has yet to make a final decision on what type of surgery he’ll undergo in March, but the 14th-year Cowboys quarterback leaning toward a Mumford procedure, a source tells Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News. The Mumford procedure involves shaving off or removing a portion of the distal clavicle.

Demarcus Lawrence probably won’t be 100% until at least training camp after he underwent January back surgery to repair an injury that Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said was “a little more serious” than anticipated, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Lawrence played in all 16 games last season and led Dallas with eight sacks, but Jones conceded the third-year defensive end may miss time this summer due to the procedure.

The Buccaneers are leaning toward assigning RFA tenders to wide receiver Russell Shepard and safety Bradley McDougald, but have yet to make a decision on linebacker Danny Lansanah, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times and Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune (Twitterlinks). Shepard and McDougald figure to be in line for low-end tenders, while Lansanah would become an unrestricted free agent if he doesn’t get an offer from the Bucs by March 9.

Tampa Bay wants Sterling Moore to return, per Cummings (on Twitter), but will allow him to test free agency. Moore experienced a down year after Pro Football Focus ranked the journeyman corner as a top-25 player at his position in 2014. The site ranked him 64th among cornerbacks last season. He started nine games for the Bucs after being nontendered by the Cowboys last March.

]]>0NFC Mailbags: Newman, Norman, Bucs, Reed, Cowboyshttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2015/06/mailbags-norman-cowboys
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2015/06/mailbags-norman-cowboys#respondSun, 21 Jun 2015 01:27:12 +0000http://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=18076Our own Sam Robinson took you through some of the AFC Mailbags earlier today. Now to give the NFC some love, here are a few of the mailbags from that other conference:

The Vikings have been going with youth across the roster, and the secondary has been no exception with Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes slated to start on the outside. However, the team also signed 37-year-old corner Terence Newman to bring a veteran presence in the secondary, according to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com. Newman should take a little pressure of Waynes to be effective from day one.

The Panthers will definitely put a lot of focus into extending Luke Kuechly, but David Newton of ESPN.com expects that to come next offseason. Josh Norman is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and after performing well for the team he should be a priority for an extension.

Kyle Van Noy and Theo Riddick are a pair of players that have uncertain roles for the Lions in 2015. Van Noy could earn a starting job at linebacker, but won’t see starter’s snaps due to the likely reliance on nickel and dime packages, according to Mike Rothstein of ESPN.com. Riddick will also likely be an afterthough at running back, but should have ample opportunities to catch passes out of the backfield and in the slot.

With Jordan Reed‘s injuries, Washington could have used help at tight end either in free agency or the draft, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. While it is surprising, it means the team has confidence in Niles Paul, and believes contributions from the receivers and running backs catching passes could help them survive without Reed for some time.

In our lone entry from a non-ESPN writer, Bob Sturm of the Dallas Morning News writes that with the versatility of Byron Jones and Corey White in the secondary, the Cowboys defense could give some very creative looks in 2015. Both players are nominally corners, but each has the ability to play safety as well, and that could let the team mix and match in the defensive backfield.

]]>0NFC Rumors: Bucs, Eagles, Washingtonhttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2015/05/rumors-eagles-washington
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2015/05/rumors-eagles-washington#respondSat, 23 May 2015 20:37:44 +0000http://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=17448Bruce Carter occupies the fifth-highest cap charge for the Buccaneers this season but could play an unfamiliar position for his new team. The Bucs plan to slot the former Cowboys outside linebacker in the middle of their 4-3 alignment, writes Jenna Laine of SportsTalkFlorida.com.

With the weak-side spot spoken for in All-Pro Lavonte David and versatile Danny Lansanah slated to work at the strong-side position, Carter will attempt to earn his money at a spot he’s rarely played. The former Cowboys second-round pick struggled at outside backer last season, grading well below zero on Pro Football Focus’ scale, but arguably Carter’s best campaign came as an inside performer. The 27-year-old North Carolina product rated adequately on PFF (subscription required) during 11 starts inside in what was then a 3-4 look in Dallas in 2012.

Playing all three second-level spots in Tampa last season, the bulkier Lansanah’s best work came on the strong side — PFF doled out an eye-catching 6.1 grade for his Week 13 work against the Bears — and the soon-to-be-30-year-old former United Football League standout will begin his season there.

Here is some other news from Tampa and other NFC locales.

Also from Tampa: newly acquired George Johnson will start his Bucs tenure as a left defensive end, but the team views the ex-Lion as more of a rotational part than starter, according to Laine. But that could mean a workload similar to the 531 snaps Johnson logged in Detroit last season, albeit in an off-the-bench capacity. The team also hopes third-year end William Gholston, a nine-game starter last season, can man the top swing spot, playing both inside and outside up front.

Recent waiver claim D.J. Swearinger will have a chance to start, defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier told Laine. The Bucs’ signing of Chris Conte, who struggled at times last year, doesn’t exactly signify a menacing safety corps that prevents upward mobility.

With the additions of Brian Mihalik, a seventh-round selection this year, and 2014 Arena Leaguer Frances Mays — an Eagles camp body last season — the Eagles have two 6-foot-9 talents up front, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Enquirer. Although he doesn’t expect either to make the 53-man roster of a team that didn’t allocate any funds to free agent defensive linemen, they could profile as practice-squad developmental bastions.

The Vikings announced that they have signed 6’9″, 351-pound Polish lineman Babatunde Aiyegbusi, as Craig Peters of Vikings.com writes. The 27-year-old, who played for the Dresden Monarchs of the German Football League in 2014, is the fifth Polish-born player in NFL history. In related moves, the club has waived linebacker Justin Anderson and guard Jordan McCray.

Linebacker Danny Lansanah, an exclusive-rights free agent, signed his one-year tender from the Buccaneers, as Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk writes. The 29-year-old is coming off the best season of his career and could compete for a starting role at strong-side linebacker next season.

]]>0Bucs Re-Sign Mike Jenkins, Two Othershttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2015/03/bucs-re-sign-mike-jenkins-two-others
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2015/03/bucs-re-sign-mike-jenkins-two-others#respondThu, 05 Mar 2015 20:32:30 +0000http://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=14132The Buccaneers have re-signed three players from their 2014 team, the team announced today in a press release. Most notably, the club is bringing back cornerback Mike Jenkins, whose ’14 campaign came to an early end due to a pectoral injury. Luke Easterlin of DraftBreakdown.com first reported (via Twitter) that the two sides had agreed to a one-year deal.

Jenkins, who turns 30 later this month, started 15 games for the Raiders in 2013, recording 65 tackles and grabbing a pair of interceptions. He parlayed that performance into a one-year, $1.5MM contract with the Bucs and had been expected to play a major role in the team’s secondary before he went down with his season-ending injury in Week 1. This time around, he’ll likely receive a more modest salary, and will probably have to compete for a roster spot and for playing time.

As for the Bucs’ other Thursday signings, the team has also locked up linebacker Danny Lansanah and safety Bradley McDougald to new one-year contracts by extending them tender offers. Both players had been exclusive rights free agents, meaning they weren’t able to negotiate with any other teams. They’ll get minimum salary deals for 2015.